Pierre Gasly on Red Bull Demotion: “It Almost Felt Like a Relief”

In a recent interview with F1.com, the French driver revealed the emotional and professional toll of his brief stint as Max Verstappen’s teammate, where he felt isolated and unsupported within the team. « It almost felt like a relief, » Gasly admitted, reflecting on how the move allowed him to reset his career.

A Season of Pressure

Gasly’s promotion to Red Bull in 2019 was meant to be the pinnacle of his career. Instead, it became a trial by fire. Paired with Verstappen—a driver already established as the team’s focal point—Gasly found himself in an environment where support was scarce.

« There was no support from anywhere, » he explained. The disparity in treatment was stark: while Verstappen thrived, Gasly struggled to match his pace. The breaking point came ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, when Red Bull announced Gasly’s demotion in favor of Alex Albon.

The Relief of a Fresh Start

Returning to Toro Rosso was not the setback it seemed. For Gasly, it was a chance to reset. The demotion removed the suffocating pressure of Red Bull’s high-stakes environment and allowed him to refocus on his driving.

« I’m not going to lie, it was sad. But after that meeting… I told myself that I had to reset and start from scratch. »

The results spoke for themselves. Gasly’s post-Red Bull career flourished: he secured his first (and so far only) F1 victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix with AlphaTauri, and later became a key figure at Alpine, rebuilding his reputation as a consistent team leader.

Lessons Learned

Gasly’s experience underscores a broader truth in motorsport: setbacks can be springboards. His demotion forced him to confront his limitations, adapt his approach, and ultimately emerge as a more complete driver. Today, Gasly is not only a respected midfield competitor but also a mentor to younger drivers, embodying the resilience required to thrive in F1’s cutthroat world.